Colors

My Demesnes

Yesterday, I heard about the shooting in Brookfield. This is what happens when people take religion a bit too far. Is there actually any benefit to these paranoiac fundamentalists wandering around spreading their distorted views of the Gospel? What would Jesus say?

My opinion (which is based on experience) is that religious fundamentalists are essentially insane, or specifically obsessive-compulsive. They focus on their religious icons to the point where they are no longer aware of reality. Furthermore, they impose their views on everyone else, and create laws to enforce those views. Take our president, for example. The Brookfield gunman, Terry Ratzmann, had apparently been suffering from depression for years. What better way than Jesus to treat a clinical disorder?

I think it’s a bit rash to say that this shooting was a case of someone taking religion too far. I heard an interview of another member of the church who witnessed the shooting say that she encourages people with depression to seek professional help, so clearly, she does not seem to oppose professional treatment of depression despite her religion. The truth is, no one knows exactly what was going on in this man’s mind when he did this. All we know is it was a tragedy.

Hides,
We all know I’m a bit rash. However, I also speak from first-hand experience. Did I ever tell you about the bizarre experience I had with a group of born-again Christians? Probably not. I’ll fill you in some other time. Or, even better, I’ll add it to the blog if I find the time or the patience to dig up the awful memory.
True, we have no idea what was going on in said dude’s head. We don’t know for sure that he was motivated by anything religious. But let’s look at the track record of fundamentalists, worldwide. Consider 9/11. Consider the exploits of Charles Manson. Consider the Heaven’s Gate cult. Consider David Koresh. Consider George W. Bush’s holy war against Islam and the “evildoers.” Honestly, the list seems endless. Once a person crosses that invisible line from a spiritual belief into fundamentalism, something changes. They become driven, and some form of tunnel vision ensues. Many claim they are driven by the voice of God, and unfortunately believe they are the ONLY voice of God. How could that be? Isn’t God all voices? Isn’t God all people? Is there anything that ISN’T God? If I spell the word “god” in lowercase, will god abandon me and cast me into some inferno conjured by the minds of paranoid people with too much time on their hands? I think not.
I stand by my opinion, because it is just that. Call me rash, I don’t mind. But if I convert to some religion, and start thinking my shit is holier than thine, please be very, very concerned.

Comment from Heidi - 14 Mar ’05 at 5:10 pm

Roman-
I am , by no means, arguing that religious fundamentalism isn’t extremely dangerous. I just think it’s unfair to immediately blame the church before we know all of the information. Many people believe in religious fundamentalism, but not every fundamentalist goes on shooting sprees. I don’t like fundamentalists at all, but I have to be fair and not blame this specific event on fundamentalism without any evidence to back it up. It’s starting to look as though this guy deliberately targeted the pastor and his family, which says to me that his motives were not holy, or encouraged by his religious beliefs. We are all capable of snapping, fundamentalist or not. I think our fear of certain religious groups makes us quicker to point our fingers in blame. I don’t think there is anyone or anything to blame in this situation but the shooter himself. That being said, I will leave you to your opinion and keep my own.

Comment from Tiffany - 15 Mar ’05 at 2:13 pm

Well kids –from what little i have read–it appears it was a sermon that was driving this guy crazy–i personally have a problem with the teaching of fear as a reason for religion–and it does go too far and very well may end up like this–more importantly–where did he get the gun???? he couldnt have shot people without that and neither of you have touched on it–way to go america–blame religion not guns for killing people…….but Corey was a work that night and his hotel was like across the street or something–so i would like to thank this man for giving the kitchen of embassy suites a wonderfully busy night–Corey gets a raise if the increase continues!!! Way to hook him up ! HEHE